As vote approaches on Royal Oak gay rights ordinance, businesses step forward to take stance

Kyle Evans, left, and Michael Chetcuti express support for a proposed ordinance banning discrimination based on sexual orientation in this MLive file photo from the Nov. 19, 2012 Royal Oak City Commission meeting in which the measure was first discussed.(Khalil AlHajal | MLive.com)

ROYAL OAK, MI -- Advocates for an ordinance that would ban discrimination against gays are compiling a list of businesses supporting the law ahead of a November vote.

The law would would prohibit discrimination in housing and employment against gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transsexuals, and 35 businesses have pledged support for the measure.

Voters will decide whether or not to enact the measure in the November election.

Royal Oak voters in 2001 overwhelmingly rejected a similar ordinance.

The Michigan constitution doesn't explicitly include sexual orientation in its protections against discrimination.

“It’s beyond belief that in 2013, right here in Royal Oak, it is legal to fire someone from their job or deny them housing just because they are gay or transgender," said Laura Harrison of The Ladybug Shoppe, one of the 35 business owners supporting the proposal.